A bail bond is often used by a loved one of someone who has been arrested to obtain the release of a defendant. However, many people wonder how long a bail bond is good for.
A bail bond runs for life of the case that has been bonded, or until the bond has been paid off at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
Initially, a client is required to pay 10 percent of the full bail amount to a bail agent at All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita.
“Essentially, a bail bond is a loan,” said Inessa Chavez, the vice president of All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita. “The client will continue to pay at a specified rate until the bond has been fully paid off.”
For example, if the bail is $50,000, the amount paid to the bondsman will be $5,000. The client will continue to pay until the $50,000 is paid off.
The amount of bail required can be reduced by a court. The bail agreement should be amended to reflect the reduced exposure of the bail agent and surety insurer if a bail reduction occurs.
Premium, or the amount paid to the bondsman, for a bail bond is not refundable once it has been paid.
All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita does not issue a refund of premium paid from a bail reduction, however it may result in a partial return of collateral.
“A defendant can sometimes get out of jail on his word by proving his or her reliability,” said Chavez. “This is known as releasing someone ‘on his or her own recognizance,’ or ‘O.R.’”
A defendant released O.R. must simply sign a promise to show up in court. He doesn’t have to post bail.
A defendant commonly requests release on his own recognizance at his first court appearance. If the judge denies the request, he then asks for low bail.
In general, defendants who are released O.R. have strong ties to a community, making them unlikely to flee. Factors that may convince a judge to grant an O.R. release include the following:
- The defendant has other family member, most likely parents, a spouse or children, living in the community.
- The defendant has resided in the community for many years.
- The defendant has a job.
- The defendant has little or no past criminal record, or any previous criminal problems were minor and occurred many years earlier.
- The defendant has been charged with previous crimes and has always appeared as required.
“With Us You Are Never Alone”
23360 W. Valencia Blvd. #E
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
661-255-2245
Call Toll Free: 888-755-2245
24 hours a day — 7 days a week
If loved one in custody and they wish to talk to an All American Bail Bonds representative call:
818-990-0003 or 661-267-6777
CLIENT.SERVICES@ALLAMERICANBAILBONDS.COM
